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Spear Digest Dental Articles

Managing the Midline Diastema Part 1: Etiology

Managing the Midline Diastema Part 1: Etiology

In the first of a 3-part series on midline diastemas, Dr. Jason Smithson examines the etiology of the condition and what initial exams should include.

| 4 months ago
The Role the First Point of Contact Plays in the Restorative Process
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The Role the First Point of Contact Plays in the Restorative Process

Dr. Douglas Benting talks about identifying the first point of contact in occlusion, and the role it plays in the restorative process.

| 1 year ago
Evaluating the Worn Dentition from a Digital File

Evaluating the Worn Dentition from a Digital File

In this article, supported by several photo examples, Dr. Darin Dichter shows how the use of intraoral scanners can help facilitate occlusal analysis...

| 1 year ago
The Significance of Centric Relation When Preparing Posterior Crowns

The Significance of Centric Relation When Preparing Posterior Crowns

Dr. Bonk shares a discussion with a resident about the significance of centric relation when preparing posterior crowns to avoid the sudden loss of vertical...

| 1 year ago
TMJ and Treatment Planning: Treating Joint Issues for More Predictable Results
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TMJ and Treatment Planning: Treating Joint Issues for More Predictable Results

TMJ and treatment planning are interconnected. If a TMJ issue is discovered, having a predictable workflow for joint-based treatment planning can help....

| 1 year ago
Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCL): Causes and Contributing Factors

Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCL): Causes and Contributing Factors

This write up from Dr. Melissa Seibert challenges the abfraction theory and reviews the many contributing factors to non-carious cervical lesions.

| 2 years ago
Fabrication and Use of an Incisal Edge Guide

Fabrication and Use of an Incisal Edge Guide

A clinical case study of the fabrication and use of the incisal edge guide and how it can improve communication with a dental laboratory technician and...

| 2 years ago
A Guide to Anterior Open Bites
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A Guide to Anterior Open Bites

Dr. Frank Spear discusses the causes of anterior open bites and how to diagnose them.

| 2 years ago
Planning the Class IV: Workhorse of Cosmetic Dentistry – Part 3

Planning the Class IV: Workhorse of Cosmetic Dentistry – Part 3

Learn Dr. Jason Smithson's go-to protocol for layering direct composite to achieve aesthetic success and functional durability.

| 2 years ago
Planning the Class IV: Workhorse of Cosmetic Dentistry – Part 2

Planning the Class IV: Workhorse of Cosmetic Dentistry – Part 2

In part two of Dr. Smithson's series, learn why particle abrasion improves bond strengths and longevity for Class IV direct composite restorations.

| 2 years ago
Oh Snap! Managing a Fractured Denture Base

Oh Snap! Managing a Fractured Denture Base

In many cases, a damaged prosthesis can be sent to the dental laboratory for repair, but what if the lab isn't available? Here's what to do.

| 2 years ago
Advantages of Mandibular Locator Overdentures

Advantages of Mandibular Locator Overdentures

Dr. Benting reviews advantages of removable mandibular Locator overdentures and restorative treatments with existing prothesis.

| 3 years ago